New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1887-01-05
COSTLY BUTTONS

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Iney We're Worn Once Too Often By Gambler
Gonzalo Of New Orleans.
From the New Orleans Times Democrat.
In 1851, when New Orleans was
reached by fatboats, the cargoes OF
apples, hay, corn or meats were dis
posed Of as fast as purchasers could
be found, after which the crews looked
up the local sights, particularly the
tiger. OF all the curiosities then to
be found there, they preferred, beyond
all dispute, the tiger. This popular
quadruped was to be seen nowhere in
more vigor or beauty OF coat than in
the glided rooms OF the Gonzalo Broth
ers- In his saloon Gonzalo was in
variably habited in short jacket OF
green, closely fitting his rotund body.
Down the front was a row of very
large buttons made from Mexican dol
lars, the front faces OF which
were so polished that they re-
fected light as mirrors. Shortly
after the noonuay lunch had been
served in the front saloon on a. cool
Sunday tall, gaunt flat-boatman
sauntered in toward the tables where
little groups were watching with in
tense anxiety the turning up Of the
cards by one of the dealers. The game
was Mexico's favorite, monte, and
large sums were scattered about the
table. The newcomer was at once
recognized by many of those present,
who saluted him with GLOW are you
Bowers?"
Bowers nodded pleasantly to the
right and left, and took seat at one
OF the tables where Gonzalo was pre-
siding. The visitor was a man who
would be conspicuous in any crowd.
A quick eye, long, somewhat hooked
nose, a face bronzed by exposure, and
a thin, attenuated black mustache
gave him the appearance of either q
trontiersman or a veteran circus man.
ager. He watched the game closely
for some time, when his eye fell upon
the large silver buttons on Gonzales
coat. These seemed to hold his gaze,
for, without removing his scrutiny,
he moved his chair directly opposite
the little Mexican. In few minutes
a smile overspread his features, and
he got up and went to the bar for a,
drink. Wiping his moustache on a
big yellow bandana handkerchief, he
stepped behind the table and whis-
pered something in the Mexican's ear.
The little proprietor bowed gracious
ly, saying loud enough for those around
him to hear:
Isl, senior, I play whatever game
you like" They both withdrew to q
small ante-room in the rear, which
was lighted by large glass skyliyht.
The smile of Bowers did not leave his
face. It seemed to glow even more
radiantly when they sat down facing
each other, and when he took from
his pocket a large purse filled with
gold it widened into almost d laugh.
"Er you've no objections, pardner,"
said Bowers, with somewhat of a drawl
in his enunciation, "we'll make it old
sledge." At that time old sledge,
known later as seven up. was a favor.
tie American game, and its popularity
had penetrated even the wild woods
of the extreme west.
tEet maker not de slight dlferanss
for me what game eet is, replied the
dapper Gonzalo, as he took a new
pack OF cards from the hands OF a
servant.
"All right, then, old boy; old sledge
it is, and we'll make it for $50
no mo onI Pou,o,,c lo;I 1,;c llool1 foI+
hat on the floor.
The game commenced, and at first
Bowers lost. This, however, did not
disturb his equanimity in the least.
He chewed at the end of his
cigar, as was his habit, ran his hand
through his long, black hair, played
with q large steel ring that adorned
his lett little finger, and still smiled.
A few idlers drifted back to where
chey were playing, but the two an
tagonists We're SO quiet that they lost
interest and went back to more en-.
livening games.
Bowers after some time began to
win. At first every second game; then
two out OF every three. The Mexican
sent for another pack OF cards, as he
said, ito change de luck" After
Bowers had examined them critically
he accepted them as "fair and square
pasteboards."
The flatboatman did not move one
inch in his chair. He seemed as rigid
as ifcarved of stone. Facing his op-
ponent, he kept his eye fixed on the
handsome green jacket OF the pro.
prietor and the silver buttons. They